USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) Mike Michener was in Burundi May 23 - 27 to help launch Kugwiza, a new USAID-funded activity in the agricultural sector, and to visit farmers in different parts of the country who are directly benefiting from this activity.
DAA Michener met with the Minister of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, Sanctus Niragira, as well as with USAID implementing partners and Burundian farmers.
On Wednesday, May 24, DAA Michener participated in the launching of the Kugwiza activity, which is part of a regional initiative for food security implemented by the United States. This activity already connects 130,000 Burundian farmers to innovative tools and information they need to be more productive over the next several cropping seasons. Investing in food security for the health and prosperity of all Burundians is among USAID’s top priorities in the country.
“This is one of the ways in which Feed the Future, the U.S. Government’s global food security and hunger initiative led by USAID, is taking immediate action to help cushion the blow of high fuel and fertilizer prices on farmers and communities and to strengthen their resilience to meet future shocks,” said DAA Michener during the launch ceremony.
DAA Michener met with Minister Sanctus Niragira to discuss the situation in agriculture in Burundi, and the support the United States provides in this sector.
From Thursday, May 25 to Saturday, May 27, DAA Michener and his team visited many smallholder farms benefitting from Kugwiza activity in Kirundo, Vumbi, and Ngozi. He met with the governors, toured the fields and family plots, and discussed the progress and challenges with the farmers.
DAA Michener’s visit further affirms the United States’ support for the people of Burundi.
For questions regarding DAA Mike Michener’s visit to Burundi, please contact BujumburaPAO@state.gov
Feed the Future is America’s initiative to combat global hunger and poverty. It brings partners together to help some of the world’s poorest counties harness the power of agriculture and entrepreneurship to jumpstart their economies and create new opportunities. For more information, visit: feedthefuture.gov.